Gibraltar Range National Park Park

Address: Gibraltar Range National Park, New South Wales, Australia

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/gibraltar-range-national-park

Hours: Park open year-round; visitor facilities hours vary seasonally

Admission: Free (park entry); some visitor facilities and guided activities may charge

Gibraltar Range National Park is a protected area in north-eastern New South Wales on the Great Dividing Range that preserves high-elevation plateau country and remnant rainforest. The park is included in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area for its ancient plant communities.

Key features include stands of cool-temperate and warm-temperate rainforest in sheltered gullies and open granite plateaus with lookouts. Recreational opportunities focus on walking, birdwatching and basic campground facilities, with a network of short trails and scenic viewpoints.

The park was set aside to protect representative Gondwanan rainforest and associated upland habitats and has been managed for conservation and low-impact recreation. Vegetation communities here are considered significant for their ecological continuity with ancient Gondwana flora.

Gibraltar Range National Park lies on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, on the Great Dividing Range in north-eastern NSW.

• World Heritage status: Forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and protects remnants of ancient rainforest ecosystems.
• Recreation highlights: Popular for walking, birdwatching and camping, with several short walks and lookout points offering views of the range and rainforest canopy.

What to See#

• Rainforest areas: Extensive stands of cool-temperate and warm-temperate rainforest occupying gullies and sheltered slopes, home to ancient plant communities typical of Gondwanan origins.
• Plateau and lookouts: Open plateau country, granite outcrops and lookouts that provide panoramic views over the surrounding Great Dividing Range and the park’s escarpments.

By car from Glen Innes (approx. 40 minutes) or Grafton (approx. 1.5 hours); the A15 and Clarence Way provide access to park entrances and trailheads.

• Drive the Clarence Way and park near access points for short walks to waterfalls and lookouts.
• Visit Cathedral Rock early in the morning for light on the granite tors and to avoid weekend day-trippers.
• Check for park alerts: sections can be closed after heavy rain due to track damage or flooding.